How old is too old when it comes to having children? For Annegret Raunigk, it would seem that you’re never too old to become a mother.
The 65-year-old Berlin native is reported to be pregnant with quadruplets. She is also mother to 13 children already, with ages ranging from 44 to 9.
Raunigk claims that it was her youngest daughter’s wish to have a brother or a sister that prodded her to try and have more children.
According to the mother of 13, this pregnancy is the result of several rounds of artificial insemination, using donated sperm and egg cells.
The German pensioner has downplayed the issue of her age, but she has consistently been fielding comments and criticisms about her decision to still have and raise children.
Reports: 65-year-old woman expecting quadruplets http://t.co/nToG6uLrV3 pic.twitter.com/B5FMsMg7ME
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Most concerns were centered on her health at this stage of her life. Her doctor, Kai Hertwig, gave assurances that Raunigk is a “very strong, very fit woman” but does admit that “quadruplet pregnancies are always a high burden.”
Doctors have suggested selective reduction to the new mother but Raunigk said it’s something that she has never considered.
RTL TV network has been documenting her journey and will continue to follow her though the pregnancy up until delivery.
Raugnigk is no stranger to controversy, or to the media reporting her pregnancy. Several years ago, she broke records as the oldest woman to become a mother at 55. Now, if all goes well, she’ll again be breaking records as the oldest mother of quadruplets at 65.
Despite the attention, the fearless woman is going about this new pregnancy the same way she has gone through the others.
“I simply assume I’ll remain healthy and fit. In matters of organization I have enough experience, that’s not new for me,” she explained.
Raunigk is expected to deliver the quadruplets in the summer.